Author Description

This study attempts to enhance understanding of issues related to traditional Aboriginal healing and to explore & identify the role that traditional healing currently plays in the provision of sex offender treatment programming for Aboriginal offenders. The study used a qualitative research methodology including structured research interviews and participant-observer evaluations. Study participants included corrections staff, Native Elders, Aboriginal program providers, psychologists, sex offender therapists, and treatment program participants. The findings of the study are presented and discussed under the following primary areas of interest: Elders' attitudes toward traditional healing with sex offenders; the role of the Elder in sex offender treatment; Elders and therapists working together; traditional approaches to the treatment of sex offenders; Elders' views of offender evaluation; strengths and challenges of providing traditional healing in sex offender programming; the success and need for traditional healing in sex offender treatment; and recommendations for the future.